Dick Clark Biography

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Dick was the younger of two sons born to Julia and Richard Clark. Unfortunately, Dick's older brother Bradley died while serving in World War II. Dick attended Syracuse University where he became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and majored in business, receiving his degree in 1951.

Following graduation, Dick moved to Philadelphia, taking a job as a disc jockey. Though talented, he aspired to appear in front of the camera, filling in as a substitute on an affiliated television show called Bob Horn's Band. In 1956 he became the full time host of the show and the name was changed to American Bandstand. The show was aired for the first time nationally on ABC in 1957 where it quickly became a success, eventually moving to Hollywood.

During the early 1970's, Dick hosted and produced his own show called Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. The show was structured as a countdown to the New Year followed by a musical performance and ran every New Year's Eve since 1972. The show earned Dick a Peabody Award and propelled him to host his own game show entitled The $10,000 Pyramid the following year. His success on Pyramid won him three Emmy Awards.In 1973, Dick created the American Music Award Show, which showcased the popular trends and performers of the music industry. Throughout the 80's and 90's, he created a number of popular game shows, including The Challengers and Greed, and opened up a chain of music-themed restaurants called Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill and others located throughout the country.

In 2004, Dick publicly addressed rumors circulating about his health. In an interview with Larry King, the long-time television personality spoke openly about his struggle with type 2 diabetes and the lengths he went to in order to maintain his overall wellbeing. Shortly after that interview, Dick was hospitalized after suffering a mild stroke. Though he recovered, the man who became the face of New Year's was not able to host his New Year's Eve show to welcome 2005. Dick returned to television again the following year after recovery and continued to host the annual New Year's Eve show until his death.

On April 18, 2012, while undergoing a standard outpatient procedure, Dick suffered a heart attack resulting in death. The news of his passing sparked considerable speculation, but Dick's family and friends revealed that his health had been precarious ever since his 2004 stroke. A determined and motivated man, Dick Clark will continue to be celebrated and recognized for his influence on pop culture and for his unwavering dedication to his audience and fans.

by
Brenda Bell
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the benefits that made it cost-effective for me to go with the real healthcare (HSA) plan rather than the phony (HRA) plan is that my company is now covering "preventative" medicines at $0 copay. The formulary for these, as stated by CVS/Caremark (my pharmacy benefits provider), covers all test strips, lancets, and control solutions. I dutifully get my doctor to write up prescriptions for all of my testing needs, submit...